Trading Simulation Heightens Interest in Commodities Trading

9/20/2005

College of Business undergraduates had a chance to experience life as a commodities trader for a global energy firm. Worldwide energy firm BP hosted a simulation that gave 24 students a taste of the challenges that can await them if they pursue trading as a career.

The simulation was a two-hour event that started with a brief slide show relating main concepts of the commodity market, followed by the computer-based team trading in a simulated market environment. Students were challenged to make as much money as possible within an hour time limit, while still maintaining control of their position in the market. They had to decide when to buy and when to sell crude oil futures, which took careful consideration with each new scenario presented.